The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026